High-Performance Workout Gear Get cool, stay dry with the latest in exercise clothes

High-Performance Workout Gear Get cool, stay dry with the latest in exercise clothes

Remember a few years back when moisture-wicking technology was all the rage? Nowadays, with technology reigning supreme in every aspect of our lives, we’ve come to expect more than just mere wicking. Your workout wear can do a lot more than you might expect!

Underneath It All

Underwear is underwear, right? Not these days! Montreal-based Miel Sisters is the go-to intimate apparel for many dancers and athletes because of the brand’s fast-drying fabrics, strategically placed compression and built-in antimicrobial protection. If you want to work out in ultimate comfort, Miel Sisters is the way to go! My fave item is the IRIS Culotte Hipster ($20). It doesn’t move an inch when you work out, and it might be the most comfortable underwear I’ve ever worn.

No More Tan Lines

If you like to exercise outside, you’ve probably got tan lines to prove it—despite how much sunscreen you’ve applied. The innovative folks at Naked Sports Gear have come up with a solution: tanks ($65–$72) and sports bras ($42) that you can tan through! The micromesh fabric covering the shoulders allows the sun to shine through, eliminating unsightly tan lines. The tops also feature moisture-wicking fabric around the bust, so you can stay dry while you work out.

From the Gym to the Water and Beyond

Hopping in the pool for a swim after hitting the health club offers some much-needed relief. But that requires an annoying change of clothes. Luckily, performance swimwear company Dry Dudz has the perfect solution. The Women’s Hybrid Boardshort ($65) is a two-piece system that includes a flattering boy short that you can swim in, plus a fast-drying, extra-light, stretchy board short shell. The pieces easily attach to avoid slippage, and they come in their own waterproof bag.

Workout and Recovery Combo

Compression wear is great for working out in because it can reduce muscle fatigue and increase circulation while also preventing injury. But it can make you feel a bit like a sausage. Thankfully, this isn’t the case with brands 2XU and 110 Play Harder, both favorites of pro athletes and workout-aholics alike.

2XU offers a wide range of high-tech but comfortable compression gear. The 2XU Elite Women’s Compression Tights ($112–$140) is one of my favorites. It does everything that compression garments are supposed to do while also giving in all the right places, making them super comfortable. Available at RealCyclist.com, the tights are antimicrobial (minimizing the amount of times you’ll have to wash them) and offer UPF 50+, which is the sun protection rating for fabric. Thanks to compression in the glutes, quads and abductors, you’ll have increased mobility and enhanced circulation, which leads to less soreness. (Get frugal and fit with RealCyclist.com coupons.)

110% Play Harder specializes in compression wear that is built to accommodate ice packs for a speedy post-workout recovery. The brand’s latest innovation is the two-piece Overdrive Compression Ice Kit ($100), which includes compression socks to work out in and sleeves that fit over the socks, allowing for easy post-workout placement of the reusable ice inserts. These are especially helpful if you suffer from injuries like tendonitis, sprains and shin splints.

Run Like the Wind

If your sneakers are in usable shape but need a little upgrade, consider high-teching it with an insole. Although standard insoles absorb odor and provide a little extra cushion, Amazon sells the OrthoLite Fusion Insole ($19.99), which utilizes special foam that keeps the feet cool by circulating air while wicking away moisture and fighting fungus and bacteria. The insoles are machine-washable, and they retain 95 percent of their thickness even after extended use.

If you ultimately decide that your sneaks are kaput, check out the Women’s C9 by Champion Motivate Athletic Shoe ($29.99), available at Target. These sneakers are not only stylish, but they also offer C9’s signature Duo Dry technology, which wicks moisture and speeds evaporation. They have foam soles allowing the ultra-light sneakers to synchronize with the movements of your feet for maximum flexibility. Plus, you can’t beat the price! (Get Target coupons.)

Light the Night

If you run at night, make sure you’re über-visible with the very best in nighttime workout wear. Unlike most running jackets that have a reflective stripe here or there, the Brooks Running Women’s Nightlife Jacket III ($115) has 360-degree reflectivity and extra pull-down reflective flaps—just in case you want to shine even brighter. The jacket, which is available in neon-yellow and green, has a ton of other cool features, such as venting to keep you cool and warm thumbhole cuffs. It’s also 100 percent wind- and water-resistant. (Get free expedited shipping on your first order with Brooks Running coupons.)

Stay Cool on the Go

Last but not least is the Kool Tool ($20). It’s not workout wear, but I had to include it because it’s so darn cool! If you tend to overheat when you work out (or you suffer from hot flashes or night sweats), simply wet the rubbery Kool Tool towel, wring it out, snap it and place it around your neck to lower the temperature around you by up to 20 degrees. Rewet or snap the towel again to reactivate it. Kool Tool is available in two sizes and multiple colors and really works.